Carl Howard Cooper, 93, of Yorktown and Muncie, IN, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 18, 2024, following a brief hospital stay.  He was surrounded by three generations of his family at the time of his passing for which the family is grateful to have shared together with him.
Mr. Cooper was the eldest son born on March 15, 1930, in the Somerset, KY area, to the late Robert A. and Gertrude (Dye) Cooper.  He was only able to attend school through the fourth grade in a single room schoolhouse, but in those short years of schooling, he took with him not only the ability to read and write but also a love for learning.  This carried into adulthood with his vast knowledge about guns, hunting, nature, and gardening.  On April 24, 1948, he was united in marriage to Anna R. Patton, the love of his life, for whom he celebrated over 54 years of marriage before Mrs. Cooper's passing in December 2002.
Mr. Cooper migrated from Kentucky to Muncie, IN, at the age of 15 years old, on his own with very little money in his pocket, to find work and a new way of life.  He worked at Ball Brothers and then Warner Gear where he retired in March 1979.  He was a hard worker from a very young age on his family's farm and through his more than 30 years of employment in Muncie.  Mr. Cooper was also very knowledgeable and skilled at gunsmithing, target shooting, hunting, playing the guitar and gardening (especially tomatoes), which he enjoyed as hobbies throughout his life.  A humble, good and loving man, he was also a wonderful and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who loved and cherished his family.
Survivors include his children, Linda G. Springer, Muncie, IN; Carla S. (David) Upchurch, Kokomo, IN; Michael D. Cooper, Yorktown, IN.  His grandchildren include Jason Cooper, MeKell (Michael) Gilbert, Krista (Scott) Rexroth and Brian (Jennifer) Upchurch.  He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren:  MeKayla (Michael) Jennings, Katey Cooper, Gabriella Gilbert, Ethan & Ella Rexroth, and Cameron, Andrew & Austin Upchurch.  Mr. Cooper is survived by one brother, Robert Cooper, Jr., and many special nephews, nieces, extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and seven of his siblings.
A viewing for Carl H. Cooper will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 North State Rd. 3, Muncie, IN, 47303, from 11am to 1pm, with the funeral service immediately following with Pastor Denny Helton officiating.  He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife at Gardens of Memory.  Memorial contributions in Mr. Cooper's honor should be sent to the American Heart Association.
On behalf of Mr. Cooper, his family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to his caregivers and special family friends who helped with his care these last few years.  We are so grateful for you:  Charles Wallace, Kim Coppess, Cameryn Leed and Paula Mills.